Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched “Age appropriate fitness protocols” on 24th Sept 2020, to mark the first anniversary of Fit India movement. On this occasion why not learn to make your Child’s fitness a priority?
As children grow up their physical activity reduces and sedentary lifestyle takes over. So, it is better to make your child’s fitness a priority starting from an early age.
Developing certain habits very early in life, helps them to lead healthy lifestyle in future. So, let us see what simple things we can do/teach in our busy schedules, to make our next generation healthy, fit and energetic!
1.Healthy Sleep routine
Research shows that children who get enough sleep have healthy immune system, better behavior, good memory, better performance record and good mental health.
Because of these reasons, it is of utmost importance to develop healthy sleeping habits in children. Children respond well to routines, so make sure you inculcate the habit of sleeping on time.
Related Read – Inculcating good habits in Children
Avoid distractions during bedtime, switch off screens 1 hour before bed time and make it a strict rule to follow for everyone. If you lead by example, children tend to follow it.
For small children, make bed times fun by telling them stories or reading them books, so that they go to bed without throwing much tantrums.
2. Eating Right
As someone aptly said, you are what you eat! Eating right is another important thing we need to teach our kids to achieve the fitness goal. It is not just about eating healthy food, the kind of food when and how we eat also matters.
India’s renowned nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar talks about how eating local and seasonal food benefits us more than the exotic food which has travelled many miles to land on our plate! In her book “Notes for Healthy Kids” she explains everything about food, eating right, health and fitness.
It is a must read for all the parents. You can read the summary of the book here.
3. Physical Activity
Make exercising non negotiable part of your day. Your children will watch you and follow. Regularly talk to your children about the importance of physical activity and exercise so that it gets etched in their mind.
Make arrangements for them to play outdoor everyday. Encourage them to pursue sports of their choice.
During the pandemic children are stuck at home, this calls for an extra effort from parent’s side to make sure they exercise. Because physical activity is a must for their healthy growth. So, find out alternatives to get enough physical exercise for them. You can use this as an opportunity to inculcate exercising habits in them.
4. Yoga for Body and Mind
Physical fitness is important, so is mental well being. Teach some basic breathing exercises and Yoga asanas to children, it not only makes their body fit and flexible but also does wonders to their mind.
In today’s fast-paced world, children need to grow up being mentally/emotionally strong and calm, along with being physically fit. Regular Yoga practice can help them handle stress and anxiety. So, see to it that your children don’t miss on this formula, which makes them fit from inside out.
5. Self Care:
Teaching kids about how to take care of self is an extremely important factor if you are serious about your Child’s fitness. Children need to learn how to understand their body’s need. Being able to communicate what they are feeling (tiredness, hunger, sadness, disappointments, happiness, etc. ) is very important thing to learn as they grow up.
Teach them self care by explaining why it is important, show them how it matters when you are doing it for yourself and to them. First step towards fitness is self care, make them understand it is as simple as listening/observing your body’s need and responding to it by taking right action.
